"It's always nice to be involved with Liverpool Football Club so I was delighted to be asked to come to India to represent LFC as an ambassador for the launch of this new Academy," Carragher told Liverpoolfc.com.

"It's been a great experience for me as I've never been to India before this week. I've loved what I've seen of the country and the people I've met so I'm sure I'll try to come back soon.

"Cricket is obviously the No.1 sport in India and I doubt that will ever change but there's no reason why football can't become even more popular in this country. Lots of countries are represented in the Premier League so I think it is only a matter of time before a player from India breaks through and makes it.

"We all hope that Liverpool FC opening this Academy in Pune will help young Indian players with talent develop and realise their full potential. I told the youngsters here that they need to work hard and listen to their coaches.

"No matter where in the world you are, there's no magic secret in football - you need talent, you need to have the right attitude, you need to listen to people and always have the enthusiasm to try to improve.

"If you have that attitude and you are coached well - and this Academy will hopefully provide the best possible surroundings to do that - then you give yourself a chance."

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